Submitted by Janet Clancy, Communications Officer, The Elizabeth Hospice
The demands of military life can take a toll on a person’s physical, emotional and spiritual health.
The Elizabeth Hospice cares deeply about the people who have dedicated their lives to protecting our safety and freedom. As the leading provider of hospice care in San Diego County and Southwest Riverside County and a We Honor Veterans Level 5 Partner, The Elizabeth Hospice is committed to ensuring that veterans are aware of their healthcare options, feel appreciated and receive the medical support and attention they need and deserve.
In partnership with the San Diego County Office of Military & Veterans Affairs, The Elizabeth Hospice provides veterans with information about how to apply for Veterans Administration (VA) benefits. When our in-person presentations at adult residential facilities were interrupted by the pandemic, we created Veterans Heathcare: Eligibiilty and Benefits, a virtual way to provide this valuable information to veterans.
In this 11-minute video, Jerraldeane Quon, Veterans Service Representative for the County of San Diego Office of Military & Veterans Affairs explains the VA eligibility requirements and the range of benefits available to veterans. Her presentation covers Aid & Attendance, extended care programs, burial assistance, survivor benefits, and much more.
The video also includes a message from Marine Corps Veteran Jerome Newberry and his daughter Linda. Jerome joined the military in 1954 at the age of 18, serving as a communications lineman. During his battle with cancer, he received the comprehensive medical and emotional support he needed by accessing his VA benefits. This included doctor visits, medications and supplies.
Jerome Newberry joined the military in 1954 at the age of 18, serving as a communications lineman while stationed in Japan.
When Jerome and his daughter decided to stop curative treatments, they chose The Elizabeth Hospice to provide his end-of-life care. “Quality of life’ was more important than ‘quantity of life,” said Linda. “I had never been down this road before. Whenever I had concerns or was unsure about what to do for my dad, I reached out to The Elizabeth Hospice. They were available 24/7 to answer my questions, send help and provide equipment. And they helped us gain access to healthcare benefits from the VA. These benefits made life better for my dad and our family. The combination of The Elizabeth Hospice and VA benefits provided peace of mind.”
To view Veterans Heathcare: Eligibiilty and Benefits, visit www.elizabethhospice.org/veterans.
To learn about the many ways The Elizabeth supports our community’s veterans, contact Lisa Marcolongo, Veterans Specialist, at Lisa.Marcolongo@ehospice.org or 760.644.4426.